No complaints when we pulled the first product out of the box - Fruittella Berries & Cherry Stick (RRP 65p each) were guaranteed to be enjoyed. We've eaten many of the Fruittella flavours in the past but this was a new one for us : a mixture of raspberry, blackberry and cherry chewy sweets. They are made with real fruit juice and only natural colourings and flavours, as well as being vegan, dairy, gluten and nut free. Each pack contains ten sweets and as they are all individually wrapped, it is easy to share them out . We loved the fruity, juicy flavours and would definitely buy these again. Available in most independent stores.
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Flava It! Garden Mint (RRP £1.10) could be enjoyed year round but as soon as I saw it, I thought it would be perfect for a leg of lamb at Easter. It is a classically British marinade seasoning made with refreshing sweet mint and a hint of rich tomato. It is extremely simple to use - you just sprinkle it over your meat then throw it in the oven (or the pan in you're cooking lamb chops maybe). It takes all the fuss and stress out of cooking if you're not feeling overly confident. Available in Morrisons.
Gouda Cheesies (RRP £1.50) are a tasty snack made from 100% gouda cheese - no more, no less - baked until crunchy. The smooth, mellow cheesy flavour makes them perfect as part of a packed lunch (no fridge required, making them easier to store than fresh cheese) or evening snack in front of the TV. The kids love these and asked to buy them again. Available at Holland and Barrett, Ocado, Amazon and at www.wearethecurators.com. You might like to know that these snacks are available in other flavours if you prefer a punchier option - you light like to try Cheddar, Red Leicester or Goat's Cheese varieties.
From savoury snacks to sweet treats. Ritter Sport Mini Nut Selection (RRP £3.50) is guaranteed to be a big hit with anyone who likes chocolate and nuts. The pack contains seven minis, featuring crunchy roasted hazelnuts covered in creamy white, milk or smooth dark chocolate. We loved all of the flavours and appreciated the fact that the bag is made of paper so it's easy to recycle. Available in all major supermarkets.
Sanpellegrino Zero Peach & Clementine (RRP £1.30) is a new sparkling, fruity drink that is perfect for welcoming in the warmer weather. It is made with Italian fruit juice and no added sugar, just the natural sugar from the fruit. The bold flavour of juicy, sun-ripened peaches and clementines is guaranteed to put a smile on your face as it quenches your thirst, helping you to imagine you're in the shade of an Italian orchard in the middle of summer ! Available in Tesco.
Ritter Sport Mini Chocolate Selection (RRP £7.50) is a chocolate-lover's dream, containing 16 mini-squares of milk, dark and white chocolate varieties, including fillings containing crunchy whole hazelnuts or crispy cornflakes, beautiful buttery biscuit or soft silky praline, sweet almond marzipan or classic alpine milk. We loved all of them and couldn't choose a favourite. Perfect for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, or even any random day when you want to put a smile on someone's face ! Available in major supermarkets.
Slooow Stone Oven White Baguette (RRP £1.65) is a tasty, sourdough baguette, made with 100% natural and organic ingredients to create a flavour-packed soft crumb and a thin, crispy crust. Delicious dipped into soup, eaten on the side of the plate topped with salted butter or filled with your favourite sweet or savoury fillings. It is 100% natural, vegan-friendly and packed with flavour. Available at Tesco and Hello Fresh.
Ueshima Coffee Company Iced Latte (RRP £2) is a Japanese crafted coffee that promises exceptional flavour. Mr Ueshima founded his company in 1969 after seeking a way to buy coffee to be enjoyed any time, anywhere and they were the inventors of the world's first canned coffee. I'm not a coffee-lover so I passed this on to a friend who said she really enjoyed it. Available at www.ueshimacoffeecompany.com.
Sweet Dough Things Honey Vegan Sugarfree Candy Floss (RRP £1.99) is a product that made me do a double-take. Candy floss is literally spun sugar so how does sugar-free candy floss come about?! The website is pretty secretive : "The sugar-free vegan version of the all-time favorite. Our innovative honey flavoured candy floss is created with health in mind. For people who can’t or don’t want to have sugar. Our vegan sugar free candy floss is the perfect no guilt treat. Made with the finest ethically sourced ingredients, this halal product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and has absolutely no sugar, gluten, or added nasties!" I'm still no closer to knowing how it is made but I gave it a try and it is very tasty and very reminiscent of classic candy floss. Other Degustaboxers received Pumpkin or Cinnamon flavours, but the website also offers other options, including Mint, Vanilla, Watermelon, Chocolate, Blueberry, Rose, Liquorice, Candy Cane, Apple and Cherry. Available at https://sweetdoughthings.co.uk.
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Finally, this month's Product of the Month,
Tilda Easy Meals (RRP 2 x £2.50) are perfect for students, those with limited cooking facilities or anyone who needs a quick lunch at work. Each pouch contains one meal and just needs two minutes in a microwave to be ready. We got Sundried Tomato and Beans which I used (for two people) as a baked potato topping with a little cheese on top. We also tried Chickpea Korma, along some leftover rice, for a tasty and filling dinner. Also available in a Vegetable Paella variety, they provide one of your five a day and are a source of protein while also being low calorie. These are great to store in a food cupboard as a fallback plan when someone needs a quick lunch or a veggie option. Available in Sainsbury's.
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